LyonHeart fills need for creative head

New York-based LyonHeart hired Steven Hébert to lead its creative department, the agency said.

LyonHeart, which is part of Diversified Agency Services (DAS), the marketing services network of holding company Omnicom Group, said Hébert will oversee all creative work, including two associate creative directors, and will report directly to Anne Devereux, chairman and CEO.

“As our clients walk the fine line between building strong brands and managing the scrutiny of today's environment, we needed to find talent who could help us transform the agency to maximize our effectiveness despite the hurdles,” Devereux said in a statement announcing the hire.

Part of that transformation involves lending creative talent a stronger voice, as well as bringing in those with digital experience as the agency becomes increasingly engaged in interactive projects.

Devereaux, who assumed day-to-day management of the 175-person agency more than a year ago after the departure of former CEO Susan Flinn, cited Hébert's “blend of entrepreneurial creativity and respect for the industry.”

Hébert joins LyonHeart from The CementBloc, a group of four agencies. In 2008 he launched its StoneWorks division, helping the unit win new business in the areas of hemophilia, devices, neurology, transplants and aesthetics. Overall CementBloc revenues grew 78% to $36.2 million in 2008. Hebert's previous work includes creative roles at Sudler & Hennessey and Grey Healthcare Group.

LyonHeart, which until 2007 was known as Lyons Lavey Nickel Swift, offers advertising and promotion as well as CME programs. Its biggest clients include Pfizer, Merck and Roche, all of which have been involved in mergers this past year. Its other clients include UCB, Otsuka, Jazz, Daiichi-Sankyo, Johnson & Johnson and Forest.